Florida Police Chiefs back DeSantis for governor

If the law enforcement community selected Florida’s next governor, Republican Ron DeSantis would win hands down.

DeSantis latest endorsement comes from the Florida Police Chiefs Association, which represents more than 900 of the state’s top law enforcement executives.

“Florida Police Chiefs want a Governor who supports law enforcement, the principles of the association and will protect our communities,” said Amy Mercer, executive director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “The FPCA proudly supports Congressman Ron DeSantis for Governor. As a former prosecutor, he understands the sacrifice our law enforcement officers make when they put on their uniforms every day.”

The Florida Police Chiefs join the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the International Union of Police Associations, Florida Association of State Troopers, the Broward Sheriffs Office Deputies Association, and more than 50 sheriffs across the state.

“I’m proud to receive the endorsement of the Florida Police Chiefs Association,” said DeSantis. “Throughout my career, whether in the military, as a prosecutor or in Congress, I have always supported the brave men and women of our law enforcement community. Floridians deserve a Governor who will stand up for our heroes who work every day to protect us.”

The law enforcement community has sent a unified message that they are concerned about Democrat Andrew Gillum, calling him anti-law enforcement. It stems from Gillum’s support of “Dream Defenders,” an organization that has an anti-police platform.

“Unfortunately, my opponent, Andrew Gillum, has signed a pledge saying police and prisons have no place in our state, which is as dangerous as it is despicable,” said DeSantis. “As Governor, I will always stand with our law enforcement and support them in their mission to keep Florida safe.”